Hollow punch or hollow drill bit set suggestions?

February 27, 2021, 04:16 PM

Black92LX

I have a couple vehicle interior projects coming up and would like a decent hollow punch or hollow drill bit set. Not a break the bank set or a cheap set. Will need the larger end punches I’d say maybe like 1/2”-1 1/4”.

I am doing 2 sound deadening projects so I’ll need to pop some clean holes in an 80 mil butyl sheet with an aluminum layer.
Trying to keep the holes fairly clean where harnesses will come through and where the holes for different fasteners are.

Will also need to pop some holes in automotive carpeting with a jute backing.
When I did my 96 Mustang carpet I just took a pick and stuck it through the carpet and wiggled it around till the hole fit over the stud. Same for harness to go through not sure that was the best way.

————————————————
The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad.
If we got each other, and that's all we have.
I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand.
You should know I'll be there for you!

February 27, 2021, 04:24 PM

Skins2881

What is a hollow drill bit? Googled them and they look like auger-less hole saws.

February 27, 2021, 04:26 PM

Voshterkoff

Hole saw?

February 27, 2021, 04:30 PM

snidera

razor blade. I assume the harness isn't installed? Otherwise, you're slitting to get it around it anyway. Use the hole to trim if you're anal about it.

Sound deadening isn't pretty, cover it up with something that is.

February 27, 2021, 05:19 PM

Greymann

I have a Mayhew set.
A set is pricey but you can buy individual punches and handle or a one piece hollow punches.

https://mayhew.com/product-cat...ow-punches-imperial/

February 27, 2021, 06:08 PM

mark60

I have a set of hollow punches up to 3/8 but recently needed bigger. 1/2 and 3/4" copper pipe work pretty good.

February 27, 2021, 06:20 PM

LS1 GTO

You're over thinking it.

Since the deadner is going to be covered by an interior panel, just use a $5 pack of single edge razors from Harbor Freight (or similar).

Also, you'll be wasting money doing a 100% cover job. Cut the pieces into random shapes and cover 33% to 50% of the panel. The rest is wasted $$ and unneeded weight.

This comes from experience.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

"If dogs don't go to Heaven, I want to go where they go" Will Rogers

The definition of the words we used, carry a meaning of their own...

February 27, 2021, 06:30 PM

henryaz

C.S. Osborne has been making punches and other quality industrial tools for decades, made in the USA.

C.S. Osborne arch punches.

I always us a backer behind the material being punched. It makes a cleaner hole and doesn't dull the punch as much. I usually use a piece of UHMW plastic because it has some give. A piece of thick leather would work, too.

February 27, 2021, 07:48 PM

Black92LX

quote:
Originally posted by Skins2881:
What is a hollow drill bit? Googled them and they look like auger-less hole saws.

Essentially they generally do not have teeth either.

quote:
Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
You're over thinking it.

Since the deadner is going to be covered by an interior panel, just use a $5 pack of single edge razors from Harbor Freight (or similar).

Also, you'll be wasting money doing a 100% cover job. Cut the pieces into random shapes and cover 33% to 50% of the panel. The rest is wasted $$ and unneeded weight.

This comes from experience.

I tend to do that a lot.

February 27, 2021, 08:04 PM

shiftyvtec

I've never worked with dynamat or it's competitors but punches, even cheap ones would probably be a bit apwndy for a few holes.

Would sharpened (beveled) pvc do the job?

Seriously though, if carpet or trim is going to conceal the penetration, just use a razor.

February 27, 2021, 08:34 PM

hrcjon

For these soft materials when I have need a punch that wasn't a size I had I just made one. A piece of copper tube with a few seconds to sharpen the end and wack it with a hammer. Has been fine. I haven't done dynamat but have numerous other materials which seem similar. Takes about a minute to make one to try.

February 27, 2021, 10:15 PM

Some Shot

I like iron pipe. Holds an edge better.

February 28, 2021, 07:55 AM

filipows

Tandy. leather has individual punches as well as sets. You will need a pretty good mallet and something to back it up
to get a clean hole. If you only need one or two diameters try ebay.

quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
I have a couple vehicle interior projects coming up and would like a decent hollow punch or hollow drill bit set. Not a break the bank set or a cheap set. Will need the larger end punches I’d say maybe like 1/2”-1 1/4”.

I am doing 2 sound deadening projects so I’ll need to pop some clean holes in an 80 mil butyl sheet with an aluminum layer.
Trying to keep the holes fairly clean where harnesses will come through and where the holes for different fasteners are.

Will also need to pop some holes in automotive carpeting with a jute backing.
When I did my 96 Mustang carpet I just took a pick and stuck it through the carpet and wiggled it around till the hole fit over the stud. Same for harness to go through not sure that was the best way.

February 28, 2021, 09:37 AM

powermad

I picked up a set of punches, 1/8" - 1" from a Flea Market 30 years ago that I use quite a bit.
Work best with a 2x4 on a non rebounding surface like a concrete floor.

As stated, an awl/pick and a razor works best for that application.